Martin: Ireland has ‘lost one of its greatest public servants’ following news that former TD Seán Calleary dies

Fianna Fáil Leader, Micheál Martin has said that Ireland has ‘lost one of its greatest public servants’ following the news that former TD and Minister, Seán Calleary has died aged 86.

Seán Calleary was a Mayo TD for 19 years, and served as a Government Minister for eight years. He was minister of state at the Department of Public Service from 1979 to 1981, at the Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism in 1982 and at the Department of Foreign Affairs from 1981 to 1987.

His son, Dara Calleary TD was appointed Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and Director of Policy Development just over 2 months ago:

“Seán was proud of all of his children’s achievements, and of course, he took great pride in his son, Dara, being elected to serve the people of Mayo in Dáil Éireann in 2007 and at every subsequent election. During his life, Seán made an enormous contribution to his county, his region and his country. He will be greatly missed.”

-Micheál Martin TD, Leader of Fianna Fáil

In a statement to the Connacht Telegraph, former Fine Gael Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Seán Calleary was a ‘fearless defender of Ballina and Mayo’.

Seán Calleary played junior football with Mayo, and also played rugby for Galwegians and Connacht but under an assumed name because of the GAA ban.

Following his playing career, he performed leadership roles in both Mayo CLG as selector and Connacht rugby as President of the Connacht branch of the IRFU and was inducted into the Mayo Sports Star Hall of Fame in 2014.

“As a rugby player, Seán understood what team effort was like and brought that to fruition with his native Ballina. He was also an avid supporter of Mayo senior footballers over the years. Ballina has lost one of its finest sons”.

-Micheál Martin

Séan Calleary was married to Doris, and had four children, Síofra, John, Conall and Dara.

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